We despise war and violence, says Iran’s president during Tajikistan visit

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran opposes war and violence during his visit to Tajikistan, his first international trip of 2025.

Speaking to students and faculty at Avicenna Tajik State Medical University on Thursday, Pezeshkian said, "We despise war and violence. From a medical perspective, anyone who engages in war likely has an issue in their brain; otherwise, humans would not fight one another."

Earlier this week, Pezeshkian told NBC News that Tehran is committed to peace and de-escalation, delivering a message likely aimed at the incoming US administration.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to peace and de-escalation in the region and globally. It condemns the Zionist regime's war-mongering, aggression, and genocide, and stands ready for honorable and equal negotiations," Pezeshkian said in an interview broadcast from Tehran on Wednesday.

Pezeshkian went on a two-day trip to Tajikistan, where Iran and Tajikistan signed 23 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering economic, political, cultural, educational, and trade cooperation.

The agreements, signed in the presence of Pezeshkian and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, highlighted both countries' commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, according to Iranian local media.

While visiting Avicenna University, Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon by profession, was awarded a professorship and an honorary diploma in recognition of his contributions to healthcare and public service.

The please comes amid international sanctions against Iran for its ongoing nuclear program, support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and support of armed groups across the Middle East.

Tehran has also been sanctioned for its violent crackdown of protesters in 2022 which saw over 500 people killed by security forces following the death of Mahsa Amini in morality police custody for not wearing her hijab properly.